Right-handed reliever, listed at 275 pounds, sent down to Triple-A after a rocky start to season

His velocity was down in a Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, with one foot seemingly out the door to the World Baseball Classic, where he pitched for Venezuela.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus didn’t seem too concerned then, but reading between the lines, there seemed to be some frustration that Rondon wasn’t ready to build off his solid 2016 season.

Now, just a week into the season, Rondon is in Triple-A, optioned in favor of rookie Joe Jimenez today. Both Ausmus and general manager Al Avila cited a need for better conditioning from Rondon, who is listed at 275 pounds.

Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias makes the throw to first base on the ground ball from Red Sox rightfielder Mookie Betts during the first inning of the Tigers' 2-1 win Monday at Comerica Park.
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Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) receives congratulations from third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) after he hits a home run in the sixth inning of the Tigers' 2-1 win Monday at Comerica Park.
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Rondon, 26, has a 4.53 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in parts of four seasons. Once thought of as the Tigers’ closer of the future, he now will toil in Toledo until the team can count on him again. The first step in that is improved conditioning.

“Obviously, we weren’t happy about it,” Ausmus said. “He did a great job last year getting himself in shape. It seemed like he turned a corner last year and we gave him the benefit of the doubt throughout spring training despite the fact we weren’t exactly thrilled with how he looked pitching. But after a couple outings here, it became apparent he wasn’t ready.”